Young girls in Bimbilla, in the Northern Region, have called on authorities to help combat gender discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for girls in society.
This appeal was made when they marked the International Day of the Girl Child in the region.
Every year, October 11th is dedicated to celebrating the girl child.
In many communities, girls often face discrimination, especially when it comes to access to certain opportunities. Families tend to invest more time and resources in male children than in female children.
Research shows that girls are equally capable, if not more so, than their male counterparts in many tasks. To promote equal opportunities and treatment for both boys and girls, the International Day of the Girl Child was established to highlight girls’ potential.
The day was marked with the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” emphasizing the aspirations of girls moving forward. The event was sponsored by ActionAid Ghana.
Speaking to Channel One News, the Northern Region Officer for ActionAid, Beatrice Yaaman Bijay, urged parents to support girls, as this would help them achieve their dreams.
“We know that in Northern Ghana, girls have been relegated to the background in terms of education. Some do not get the opportunity to go to school and others who do get dropped out due to a number of factors, and it’s mostly due to ignorance. We want to urge parents to give equal opportunities to girls too, as they do to boys. Girls are equally capable of achieving their dreams,” she stated.
The Northern Regional Head of the Gender Department, Bushira Alhassan, praised ActionAid for their efforts and emphasized the importance of empowering girls in the community to take on leadership roles.
She stressed that it was essential to encourage women, especially young girls, to step into leadership positions within their communities.
The Nanumba North Education Girl Child Officer also spoke to Channel One, expressing gratitude to ActionAid and outlining the efforts her department is making, along with the challenges they face.
Some of the girls shared their excitement with Channel One News, expressing how the event has boosted their confidence.
A girl noted, “I am very happy to be part of the Girl club in the Nanumba North municipality and this has helped boost my confidence. At first, I was feeling shy but joining the club has boosted my confidence. Now I have taken my studies seriously because I want to be someone great in the future.”
“Joining the club has opened my eyes to more things and I am happy today. I will not play with my studies because looking at the house I am coming from is very poor and I want to make a change.”
Female teachers who mentor the girls also expressed their joy, calling for more support for the girl child. Many recalled the discrimination they faced growing up and encouraged the girls to take their education seriously.
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